Search Results (52)

Rapid and often chaotic urbanisation in post-Soviet cities such as Almaty challenges the quality, availability, and accessibility of public spaces for residents, given the cities’ historical development. Meanwhile, global research is focused on the concepts of Third Places, coworking spaces in the Western context, and urban experience in cities with transitional economies, but the heritage of centrally planned urban development lacks spatial explicit analysis. The purpose of the current study is to analyse the evolution, current situation, and distribution of collaborative spaces (public spaces that combine work and connectedness) in Almaty. The methodology includes four phases of qualitative analysis: (1) a historical–typological analysis of architectural functions since the beginning of the 20th century until the 2025, (2) spatial mapping analysis of the existing typologies such as libraries, museums, coworking spaces, research and development (R&D) institutions and universities, and community centres, (3) longitudinal statistical analysis, and (4) historical graphic analysis. Analysis is conducted through the lens of advanced levels of human needs that concern self-education and self-development. This approach helped to propose a new definition of collaborative space. The results also show examples of sustainable urban structure with collaborative spaces in Almaty’s old centre (“Zolotoi Kvadrat”—Golden Square) and a critical deficit of new multifunctional spaces for work and socialisation in recently developed districts. The study reveals that Almaty’s evolution occurred through incremental infill development over the old grid, without the integrated development of the public realm and existing structural connections. As a result, the research explores the connection between collaborative spaces and their indirect influence on the general well-being in Almaty. Full article

Windows are key elements of the building’s system; they connect workers with the outdoor environment, influence daylight penetration, sound insulation, and thermal exchanges of façades, but they also moderate the workers’ well-being and productivity. This research investigates how the window-to-wall ratio, as well as the position and orientation of mullions, in movable offices affect the combination of workers’ perceptual and emotional responses. A smart co-working prefabricated movable office was modelled in virtual reality to include dynamic visual elements and acoustic stimuli. Experiments were performed in a laboratory under controlled thermal conditions involving 32 volunteers. The Igroup Presence and Emotional Salience Questionnaires were used to collect subjective responses. ANOVA analysis and post hoc test with the Bonferroni correction were used for data elaboration. Results revealed that window design affects emotional salience. High window-to-wall ratio and no mullions achieved the highest scores. Increasing the number of mullions, particularly when they obstruct key visual elements, reduced the positive emotional salience rating. Horizontal mullions diminish the outdoors’ spatial perception, interrupting visual continuity and restricting users’ capacity to recognise variations in the views. Finally, the results suggest some valuable insights and suggestions that can help designers improve window design and people’s well-being and satisfaction. Full article

This article examines the role of coworking and flexible workspaces in promoting sustainable spatial development in the non-metropolitan areas of Bulgaria. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining inventory enumeration, spatial classification, SDG-based sustainability assessment, and qualitative coding (open, axial, selective). A total of 74 coworking and flexible workspaces were identified across the six national planning regions, evaluated according to six analytical criteria (accessibility, seasonality, specialization, municipal administrative district, urban planning zone, building function) and assessed against five SDG-aligned dimensions (SDG 8, 9, 11, 12, 13). The results reveal uneven territorial distribution, strong concentration in major cities outside the capital, and emerging sustainable models in peripheral areas. Comparative SDG scoring and typological interpretation demonstrate three recurring models—Sustainable Reuse, Nature-Oriented, and Innovative/Experimental—each associated with distinct spatial and environmental characteristics. A metropolitan benchmarking exercise further contextualizes the strongest sustainability profiles. Based on these findings, a conceptual sustainable coworking model is developed for a nationally significant spa and climatic resort, illustrating how coworking can address regional disparities, support green transition policies, and reinforce territorial cohesion. The article concludes by outlining research directions related to digitalization, circular construction, environmental performance indicators, and feasibility assessments for non-metropolitan coworking development. Full article

Background: The pressure on the transport sector to decarbonise intensifies the need to look beyond the usual recommendations (e.g., walking, cycling, technological innovations). Therefore, strategies to avoid or modify commutes to places of work have long been seen as an option to decarbonise. Recognised for achieving an optimal balance between working from home and working in an office, co-working spaces may also minimise the length of commutes and therefore reduce emissions, traffic congestion, road maintenance, stress experienced by drivers, and other negative externalities of traffic. Methods: This study quantifies the above using a digital model of England and Wales. Two distributions of co-working spaces have been compared in this paper (i.e., one co-working space (i) in each Middle-layer Super Output Area or (ii) at the nearest train station). Results: The overall reduction in travel time and distance exceeds 70% if everyone who commutes by car outside their home MSOA drives to a co-working space. Despite a change in the place of work having no impact on the cold start emissions, substantial emission savings can still be achieved. These range from 35.8% to 92.1% depending on the pollutant, scenario, and distribution of co-working spaces. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with the highest incidence in individuals aged up to 25 years. However, data from Portugal remain scarce. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence of urogenital CT and NG infections in young adults in Portugal and to identify the major CT genotypes circulating in this population. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 young adults aged 18–25 years were recruited over a six-month period from universities, a sports club, and a coworking space. Urine samples were tested using the Cobas 4800 CT/NG assay (Roche, Rotkreuz, Switzerland). CT-positive samples were further genotyped based on ompA gene diversity to identify major urogenital genotypes (D to K). All participants provided informed consent and completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Results: Of the 152 urine samples analyzed, five tested positive for CT, one for NG, and one sample showed co-infection with both pathogens. None of the participants with positive results reported symptoms. Genotyping of CT-positive samples identified ompA genotype E in three cases. Conclusions: Despite limitations such as small sample size and convenience sampling, this pilot study offers preliminary insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of CT and NG infections among young adults in Portugal. The findings highlight the need for expanded screening programs, site-specific sample collection, and culture-based diagnostics to support evidence-based public health strategies targeting these infections. Full article

This contribution aims to honour Guido Barbiellini’s profound interest in the interpretation and impact of quantum mechanics by examining the implications of the so-called before–before Experiment on quantum entanglement. This experiment was inspired by talks and discussions with John Bell at CERN. This was during the years when John and Guido co-worked, promoting the mission of the laboratory: “to advance the boundaries of human knowledge”. As the experiment uses measuring devices in motion, it can be considered a complement to entanglement experiments using stationary measuring devices, which have meanwhile been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics. The before–before Experiment supports the idea that the quantum realm exists beyond space and time and that the quantum state is a real mental entity concerning choices. As it also leads us to a better understanding of the ‘quantum collapse’ and the measurement process, we pay homage to Guido’s work on detectors, such as his collaborations on the DELPHI experiment at CERN, on cosmic ray detection at the International Space Station, and gamma-ray astrophysics during a large NASA space mission. Full article

Japan’s 8.5 million vacant homes (Akiyas) represent a paradox of scarcity amid surplus: while rural depopulation leaves properties abandoned, housing shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder their reuse. This study proposes AKI2ALL, an AI-blockchain framework designed to automate the circular repurposing of Akiyas into ten high-value community assets—guesthouses, co-working spaces, pop-up retail and logistics hubs, urban farming hubs, disaster relief housing, parking lots, elderly daycare centers, exhibition spaces, places for food and beverages, and company offices—through smart contracts and data-driven workflows. By integrating circular economy principles with decentralized technology, AKI2ALL streamlines property transitions, tax validation, and administrative processes, reducing operational costs while preserving embodied carbon in existing structures. Municipalities list properties, owners select uses, and AI optimizes assignments based on real-time demand. This work bridges gaps in digital construction governance, proving that automating trust and accountability can transform systemic inefficiencies into opportunities for community-led, low-carbon regeneration, highlighting its potential as a scalable model for global vacant property reuse. Full article

The rise of information and communication technologies (ICT) has facilitated flexible working arrangements, giving rise to new workspaces like co-working spaces (CWSs). While existing research has focused on the distribution of CWSs within city, this study explores their location patterns and relationships with regional policies in China. Using data from 2015 to 2022, it employs a quasi-natural experiment at the prefecture level, primarily examining the impact of the National Innovation Demonstration Zone (NIDZ) policy. This pilot policy primarily aims to reform the science and technology innovation mechanism in the pilot cities. Notably, the research innovatively applies the multiple Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to compare CWS distribution pre- and post-policy implementation across diverse cities. The findings include the general promotion of CWS growth in NIDZs, yet with a policy focus leading to regional imbalances. Moreover, the positive effect of establishing demonstration zones on CWS growth is relatively smaller in economically developed cities. These insights shed light on the evolving dynamics and patterns of innovative activities, emphasizing the influence of regional policies on the spatial distribution of CWSs. Full article

(1) Background: The safe execution of heavy machinery operations and high-risk construction tasks requires operators to manage multiple tasks, with a constant awareness of coworkers and hazards. With high demands on visual and auditory resources, vibrotactile feedback systems offer a solution to enhance awareness without overburdening vision or hearing. (2) Aim: This study evaluates the impact of vibrotactile feedback regarding proximity to hazards on multitasking performance and cognitive workload in order to support hazard awareness in a controlled task environment. (3) Method: Twenty-four participants performed a joystick-controlled navigation task and a concurrent mental spatial rotation task. Proximity to hazards in the navigation task was conveyed via different encodings of vibrotactile feedback: No Vibration, Intensity-Modulation, Pulse Duration, and Pulse Spacing. Performance metrics, including obstacle collisions, target hits, contact time, and accuracy, were assessed alongside perceived workload. (4) Results: Intensity-Modulated feedback reduced obstacle collisions and proximity time, while lowering workload, compared to No Vibration. No significant effects were found on spatial rotation accuracy, indicating that vibrotactile feedback effectively guides navigation and supports spatial awareness. (5) Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of vibrotactile feedback to improve navigation performance and hazard awareness, offering valuable insights into multimodal safety systems in high-demand environments. Full article

This article provides an overview of coworking spaces and flexible workspaces in Sofia Municipality, Bulgaria. The study aims at examining whether the type of urban plan zone, the particular municipal administrative district, and the purpose of the building in which they are located have an impact on such modern workspaces. Existing spaces in the municipality were counted and classified according to the following criteria: origin of the operators, accessibility, level of specialization, purpose of the hosting building, location in a particular district, and urban planning zone. The average rent for Hot desk, Dedicated desk, Private office, and Virtual office was calculated for the territory determined by the research. The findings demonstrate that the number of coworking and flexible workspaces is influenced by the type of urban planning zone, the municipal administrative district, and the purpose of the building. The study also revealed that the majority of such spaces are concentrated in the zone of the old town center or in a mixed multifunctional zones and are located in administrative, business buildings. Full article

The global rise of coworking spaces (CSs) underscores their potential to foster sustainable urban development by promoting collaboration, community engagement, and strengthening local communities. However, little is known about how CSs in smaller urban or suburban settings are managed. The COVID-19 pandemic added uncertainty to this sector, placing significant strain on these spaces and testing their resilience. This study explored how managers of CSs in small cities organize and sustain their operations, focusing on the challenges posed by the pandemic. We employed a qualitative approach, conducting eleven in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers of small city CSs, followed by nine additional interviews four months later to capture the evolving conditions. Findings show that management strategies crucially shape the sustainability of these spaces: those emphasizing open, collaborative layouts proved more vulnerable to lockdown measures, whereas those offering private offices generally weathered the crisis more effectively—albeit sometimes at the expense of a collaborative culture and community integration. These insights highlight the importance of adaptive management practices that balance economic viability with the core principles of collaboration and community building. By addressing the distinct challenges of smaller urban and suburban contexts, CS managers can strengthen their spaces’ resilience and enhance both social and economic sustainability in their local communities. Full article

The rise in performance and health concerns presents a complex challenge to workplace well-being. While existing research highlights the positive impact of exposure to nature on well-being, there is a gap in supporting biophilic building designs in workplaces. This study addresses this issue by introducing a Type-1 Interval Fuzzy Set (IFS) framework to assess workplace health, and recommends Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for enhancement. The proposed framework comprises two fuzzy subsystems targeting environmental comfort and occupational health that are integrated into a third subsystem to provide tailored NbS recommendations. A case study conducted in a coworking space validated the framework’s practical application, revealing significant improvements in environmental and occupational conditions. Key findings include a reduction in absenteeism, enhancement in employee satisfaction, and creation of more comfortable and restorative environments. Recommendations, such as green walls, indoor gardens, and natural light filters, have been shown to effectively mitigate discomfort and promote well-being. The framework demonstrated flexibility in managing uncertainties, optimizing resource allocation, and providing targeted interventions for workplace conditions. These results highlight the framework’s potential as a robust decision-support tool for improving workplace health and well-being through systematic and evidence-based strategies. Full article

Space sharing for companies has become a trend in the last decade. Many of the benefits of these spaces go beyond the financial scope, creating real value-added processes from these spaces. This study examines the associations between networks developed in coworking spaces and business performance. This research was quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive ex post facto. A survey was conducted among companies installed in coworking spaces in Recife, Brazil. The sample consisted of 77 valid respondents, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics that measure central tendency, factor analysis, and Spearman (ordinal indicators) and Pearson (resulting factors) correlations, in addition to reliability tests and adequacy of the sample, necessary in the refinement of the scales. This study makes a theoretical contribution by specifying the concept of coworking, a topic still underexplored in the literature, and by defining networks in this context, which allowed for the development of a measurement scale. It also discusses the performance construct and its measurement classes, which showed significant internal consistency. Despite the consistency in the data, only the hypothesis of a positive and significant association between network and market performance was partially accepted, demonstrating that more than the network alone was needed to generate results among coworkers. This lack of association contradicts the literature as it is the most discussed aspect in qualitative studies on coworking and suggests that the network may not be a final resource but rather a means by which users obtain benefits such as benchmarks, creative ideas, and adaptation of business practices. Full article

In open and shared workplaces, like co-working spaces or educational studios, thermal preferences vary widely among occupants. With the rise of flexible organizational workplace strategies, the challenge lies in balancing optimum, efficient temperature setpoints with maintaining occupants’ comfort. A potential solution involves a deeper understanding of variations in indoor climate and building occupants’ decision-making and preferences. This paper explores how an Occupant-Centric Digital Twin (OCDT) might address this by mapping indoor microclimates through a grid of IoT temperature sensors in real time. A large-screen display is utilized to present and visualize these data in an open workplace. The goal is to enhance awareness and provide agency for occupants to identify zones that align with their individual thermal preferences. A mixed-method occupant study (N = 27) was conducted to validate the approach. Exposure to the OCDT display resulted in higher thermal satisfaction among participants (p-value = 1.269 × 10⁻⁵, 0.05 significance level). The novelty of OCDT lies in extending the use of digital twin technology from facility managers to occupants, by granting them the agency to address comfort issues even in buildings where they lack direct control over the thermostat. This approach paves the way for a future where occupants in open workspaces can make informed decisions about where to work and how to achieve thermal comfort in those choices. Full article

The presence of background DNA (bgDNA) can hinder the evaluation of DNA evidence at the activity level, especially when the suspect is expected to be retrieved due to their habitual occupation of the investigated environment. Based on real-life casework circumstances, this study investigates the prevalence, composition, origin, and probable transfer routes of bgDNA found on personal items in situations where their owner and person of interest (POI) share the same workspace. Baseline values of bgDNA were evaluated on the participants’ personal items. Secondary and higher degree transfer scenarios of non-self DNA deposition were also investigated. The DNA from co-workers and co-inhabiting partners can be recovered from an individual’s personal belongings. Non-self DNA present on the hands and deposited on a sterile surface can generate uninformative profiles. The accumulation of foreign DNA on surfaces over time appears to be crucial for the recovery of comparable profiles, resulting in detectable further transfer onto other surfaces. For a thorough evaluation of touch DNA traces at the activity level, it is necessary to collect information not only about DNA transfer probabilities but also about the presence of the POI as part of the ‘baseline’ bgDNA of the substrates involved. Full article